CU SOD SCHOOL COMPETENCY STATEMENTS

A graduate from the Creighton University School of Dentistry is able to: 

1. (KNOWLEDGE) Comprehend and apply the biomedical, behavioral, and clinical sciences as they pertain to patient-centered approaches to oral health, oral diseases, and oral-related disorders.  
   1. Demonstrate competency in the biomedical sciences pertaining to patient-centered approaches to oral health, oral diseases, and oral-related disorders.  
   2. Demonstrate competency in the behavioral sciences pertaining to patient-centered approaches to oral health, oral diseases, and oral-related disorders.  
   3. Demonstrate competency in the clinical sciences pertaining to patient-centered approaches to oral health, oral diseases, and oral-related disorders.  
2. (CRITICAL THINKING) Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to guide evidence-based clinical decision making during comprehensive care of patients. Demonstrate scientific inquiry and understanding of research methodology and technology as it applies to contemporary dental practice.  
   1. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills to guide evidence-based clinical decision-making during the comprehensive care of patients.  

b. Apply current science and technology in contemporary dental practice.

3. (PROFESSIONALISM) Describe and apply Ignatian values, ethical, legal, and regulatory concepts as they pertain to patient care and professional responsibilities, and demonstrate self-assessment and plan for life-long learning. 

a. Demonstrate competence in interpersonal relationships and communication skills necessary for comprehensive person-centered care.  

b. Demonstrate comprehension and application of Ignatian values, ethical, legal, and regulatory concepts as they pertain to patient care and professional responsibilities.  

c. Demonstrate the ability to self-assess and plan for life-long learning.  

d. Demonstrate applying fundamental elements of managing a dental practice, collaborating with other members of the health care team to facilitate the provision of health care, and understanding historical and current models of oral health care delivery.  

4. (COMPREHENSIVE PERSON-CENTERED CARE) Promote overall health and wellbeing, oral health and disease prevention, and oral health-related quality of life accessible to diverse populations and individuals in all stages of life.   

a. In caring for the whole person, gather and interpret information from patient medical, dental, and social history. Perform patient examination, risk assessment and diagnostic tests to diagnose, plan and assess care, and obtain consent for personalized treatment plans using evidence-based treatment options, shared decision making, and appropriate referrals to support patient overall health and wellbeing. 

b. Provide oral health care to prevent and alleviate disease, and to restore form, function, and esthetics for a diverse population of patients across the lifespan, identity, and medical condition. General dentistry care to include the management of:

 i. Pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions

ii. Local anesthetic

iii. Non-carious and carious loss of tooth structure

iv. Edentulism

v. Periodontal diseases

vi. Pulpal disease

vii. Malocclusion

viii. Hard and soft tissue surgery

ix. Hard and soft tissue pathology

x. Medical and dental emergencies

c. Coordinate with members of intra- and interprofessional healthcare professionals to promote overall health, disease prevention, and wellbeing, and to provide collaborative care with appropriate referral when patient needs are beyond the scope of the dental clinician.

d. Promote improvement of the health of all people and communities through applied understanding of oral epidemiology, dental public health, social determinants of health, and access to high-quality oral health care. (2024)